Angelique Kerber beats two-time champion Ana Ivanovic to win Linz

Top seed Angelique Kerber survived a late second-set surge from Linz darling Ana Ivanovic and won her third career title by beating the third-seeded Serb 6-4 7-6(6) in the final of the Generali Ladies Linz.

In the first set, Kerber and Ivanovic made two breaks each until 4-all, but Ivanovic's inconsistent play and her double faults gave Kerber a chance to make the crucial third break. The second set was even more dramatic. The Serb was in the lead with 3-1, but then began to make mistakes which the German exploited to win the next four games and even earn three match points. However, the former world No.1 hung in there, saved them all and even had set points, giving her fans hope of a memorable comeback, but in the tiebreak Kerber clinched victory after one hour and 36 minutes of match play.

Kerber's previous two career titles came in Paris and Copenhagen last year, which are also indoor events. During the $235,000 Linz tournament Kerber took the final spot in the elite eight for the WTA Championships. (photo: JJ-Tennis)